So…I’m taking this behavior modification class and it’s probably my favorite class. We talk about antecedents, target behaviors, and consequences. Then if you want to get into Cognitive Behaviorism you talk about emotions, situations, cognitions, and then the behavior. Anyway, it’s basically a class that teaches people how to condition themselves or others to stop an undesired behavior or start a desired behavior, great stuff! My favorite part has been the Cognitive Behavior lecture because it showed me that my reality is not the only reality, simple concept I know, but stay with me. When we react to something, we are actually reacting to our own cognitions (opinions). For example, you’re in a store and someone runs into you with their shopping cart….you can have a number of emotions based on what you THINK took place in that situation. You could be angry because your thought is “they did that on purpose!” or you could be confused because your thought is “what just happened?” or you could be merciful because your thought is “it was an accident”….in whatever circumstance your emotion is based on what you THINK took place. Your behavior is then determined by your own understanding of the situation. I like it. You know if you think about it, there are 6 billion different realities, probably more but I’m not philosophical, because there are about 6 billion people on this planet. Not everyone has the same rules of conduct, relationships, manners, etc. We truly do see things differently because no one has had the exact same experiences. I don’t know why this concept means so much to me, but it makes me more aware and also changes how personal I take things. Not everyone is trying to ruin my life and the universe does not hate me.
Awaken:Talent and Strength
I took a strengths finder test today, it was given to me by my pastor at The Patio. I have taken tests like this before, but this one had different results than most. I expected my strengths to be in harmony, positivity, etc. but they weren’t…or those did not come up. I found out I enjoy learning, I want to know as much as I can about topics that interest me; that’s probably why I ask so many questions regarding the Christian religion. There are so many things I don’t understand, so I surround myself with those who can teach me. I am curious about the times when the Bible was being written, even before that. I want to know what Jesus was like as a man, outside of what the Bible says; I don’t need to know, but I want to know.
I also believe in focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. I think I knew that about myself, but it is nice when a test tells me. Reassuring. I see more strengths in a person than weaknesses, so I guess that carries into my own life. I would rather continuously improve my strengths than focus on where I’m failing. I know that weaknesses, especially those that keep me from God, need to be dealt with and most of the time they are, I just tend to spend more time developing strengths. Along with that, I also like to develop other people’s strengths. I nurture the potential in people and derive satisfaction from doing so.
I am excited to see how God is going to bring all my strengths together to bring His glory. I am also excited about what my pastor said today……our church expects college students to serve along side them, and I plan to do just that. These strengths were not given to me for my own benefit, but for the benefit of those around me, and ultimately for God’s will to be done in the circumstances I am put into.
